Movies - Alpha : Julia Ducournau's Bold New Cinematic Journey

By Mulder, 12 may 2025

Julia Ducournau, the visionary filmmaker behind the provocative and groundbreaking films Grave (2016) and Titane (2020), is set to make waves once again with her latest project, Alpha. The film, described as Ducournau's most personal and profound work, will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, where it competes for the coveted Palme d'Or. This highly anticipated Franco-Belgian drama already has cinephiles and critics buzzing, and rightfully so, given the director's track record of delivering bold, visceral storytelling. With her previous work being so deeply rooted in themes of transformation, trauma, and the human body's fragility, Alpha promises to be another daring cinematic exploration, one that could cement Ducournau's position as a master of modern French cinema. Her signature approach, blending raw emotion with a haunting visual aesthetic, sets the stage for a film that is not only artistically ambitious but also culturally resonant.

At the heart of Alpha is a poignant and disturbing coming-of-age narrative set in the 1980s, in the port city of Le Havre. The story follows Alpha, a troubled 13-year-old girl living with her single mother. The duo's fragile world shatters when Alpha returns from school one day with a mysterious tattoo on her arm, sparking fear and suspicion among her peers and the community. The tattoo becomes a symbol of rejection and paranoia, as rumors spread about Alpha being afflicted with a new, unknown illness. Ducournau deftly weaves themes of isolation, transformation, and societal judgment, reminiscent of the thematic explorations in her earlier works. The setting, steeped in the industrial and somewhat bleak atmosphere of a port city, acts almost as a character itself, mirroring the protagonist's own sense of abandonment and alienation. Through this deeply personal lens, Ducournau invites the audience to confront the raw, often uncomfortable emotions that arise when a community turns against one of its own.

The casting choices further elevate the film's impact, with Mélissa Boros portraying the adult version of Alpha, while newcomer Ambrine Trigo Ouaked delivers a raw and haunting performance as the young protagonist. Adding gravitas to the narrative are Golshifteh Farahani and Tahar Rahim, both of whom deliver nuanced performances that amplify the film's emotional resonance. Rahim's commitment to his role is particularly noteworthy, as he reportedly lost 20 kilograms to portray his character's physical and mental decline, showcasing his dedication to Ducournau's uncompromising vision. The presence of seasoned actors like Farahani, known for her intense, grounded performances, adds depth to the narrative, while Rahim’s transformation speaks to the physical and psychological demands of the role. The interplay between these actors not only enriches the story but also brings a heightened sense of realism to the film’s more surreal elements. The way Rahim physically embodies the character’s descent offers a visceral counterpoint to the film’s quieter, more introspective moments, creating a powerful balance between intensity and subtlety.

Shot over 35 days in Normandy, with key scenes filmed in Le Havre and Paris, the film's production design masterfully captures the gritty, retro aesthetic of the era. One striking location was a public swimming pool in Pont-Audemer, chosen for its distinctly 1980s architecture. Ducournau, known for her meticulous attention to detail, once again collaborates with cinematographer Ruben Impens and editor Jean-Christophe Bouzy, who both contributed to the stark and eerie visual style that marked Grave and Titane. The film's atmospheric score, crafted by British composer Jim Williams, further deepens the haunting, immersive quality of Ducournau’s storytelling. Williams, whose previous work includes Resurrection and Hoard, brings a distinctively eerie and emotive soundscape that complements the film’s unsettling tone. The choice of filming locations, particularly the decaying industrial backdrop of Le Havre, adds a layer of authenticity that grounds the film’s more surreal narrative elements.

In a particularly intriguing parallel, Alpha echoes themes from Ducournau’s short film Junior, where a teenage girl undergoes a grotesque transformation following a viral infection. This thematic continuity highlights Ducournau's enduring fascination with the body as a site of transformation and trauma, and Alpha seems poised to expand on these motifs with even greater intensity. The story’s exploration of fear, metamorphosis, and rejection resonates on both a personal and societal level, drawing viewers into a narrative that blurs the line between reality and the grotesque. Ducournau’s willingness to push boundaries and explore the darker corners of human experience marks her as a truly singular voice in contemporary cinema. Through Alpha, she once again challenges the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about conformity, fear, and the nature of identity itself.

The film's journey to Cannes was marked by a flurry of industry interest, with NEON, the independent distribution company that handled Titane in North America, securing the distribution rights once again. Their continued partnership underscores a shared commitment to bringing Ducournau’s bold storytelling to global audiences. German rights have been acquired by Plaion Pictures, further widening the film's reach post-Cannes. With its premiere just around the corner, Alpha is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films at Cannes this year. Ducournau's willingness to delve into raw, unsettling human experiences with her signature visceral style is sure to captivate audiences and provoke thought long after the credits roll. As anticipation builds, it becomes clear that Alpha is not just a film but a statement—a reflection of the filmmaker's fearless pursuit of storytelling that dares to confront our deepest fears and discomforts.

Synopsis : 
Alpha, 13, is a troubled teenager who lives alone with her mother. Their world falls apart the day she comes home from school with a tattoo on her arm.

Alpha
Written and directed by Julia Ducournau
Produced by Jean des Forêts,, Amelie Jacqu, Éric Altmayer, Nicolas Altmayer
Starring  Tahar Rahim, Golshifteh Farahani, Mélissa Boros, Emma Mackey
Cinematography : Ruben Impens
Edited by Jean-Christophe Bouzy
Music by Jim Williams
Production companies : Petit Film, Mandarin & Compagnie, France 3 Cinéma, Frakas Production
Distributed by Diaphana Distribution (France)
Release dates : 19 May 2025 (Cannes), 20 August 2025 (France)
Running time : 128 minutes